“…My salad days, /when I was green in judgement, cold in blood…”

-Cleopatra in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, 1606

The term “Salad Days” can be traced back to the Bard himself.  But it did not become popular until the middle of the 19th century when it began to be used in reference to “a period of youthful inexperience or frivolity.”  Since then, the term has become part of the zeitgeist of our culture, cropping up randomly everywhere from an episode of The Simpsons, entitled Simpson and Delilah, to the lyrics of Party Doll, by The Rolling Stones.

But nowhere are the words “Salad Days” more aptly applied than at the annual fundraising event, held at Watershed Center for Ceramic Art, in Newcastle, Maine.  The old fashioned picnic atmosphere takes everyone back to the carefree days of their youth, and a relaxed, laid back vibe is the theme of the day.  This year, the day of the event dawned clear and lovely…one of the most beautiful days of the summer thus far.  And by the time guests began to arrive at 10 am, all was set, and the band had begun to play.  Adero Willard’s lovely plates went on sale at 11, and food was served a half hour later…to a round of applause from the hungry crowd!

Activities continued all afternoon, and included an invitational pottery sale, children’s face painting and games, and a benefit wood fired raffle.  Finally, with full bellies and light hearts, people began to depart.  Most made a stop at James Patrick Gallery, in Wiscasset, ME, where a show featuring the work of a group of Watershed board members had just opened.  Part of the sales from this show, entitled Claymates, will be used to help fund the operation of Watershed.